What do you think?
Rate this book
Instinct #3
Steal
Art galleries and casinos, mansions and brothels, billionaires and thieves—only James Patterson could create a triple-cross this decadent and suspenseful.
Imagine everyone’s surprise when Carter von Oehson, a sophomore in Dr. Dylan Reinhart’s Abnormal Psychology class, posts on Instagram that he plans to kill himself. 24 hours later and still no one has seen him.
Release the hounds. A massive search ensues. But when Carter’s sailboat rolls in with the tide without him or anyone else on it, the worst seems to be confirmed. He really did it . . . Or did he?
The one person convinced he’s still alive is his father, Mathias von Oehson, founder and CEO of the world’s largest hedge fund. But what Mathias knows and how he knows it would ultimately reveal a secret so damaging that it would be as if he were committing suicide himself. There’s no way he can go to the police. But there’s still someone he can turn to.
Dylan now finds himself wrapped up in multi-million-dollar secrets and danger and it’s going to take every bit of his wit, and the brilliant and headstrong NYPD Detective, Elizabeth Needham, to stay ahead of both his enemy . . . and his employer.
Imagine everyone’s surprise when Carter von Oehson, a sophomore in Dr. Dylan Reinhart’s Abnormal Psychology class, posts on Instagram that he plans to kill himself. 24 hours later and still no one has seen him.
Release the hounds. A massive search ensues. But when Carter’s sailboat rolls in with the tide without him or anyone else on it, the worst seems to be confirmed. He really did it . . . Or did he?
The one person convinced he’s still alive is his father, Mathias von Oehson, founder and CEO of the world’s largest hedge fund. But what Mathias knows and how he knows it would ultimately reveal a secret so damaging that it would be as if he were committing suicide himself. There’s no way he can go to the police. But there’s still someone he can turn to.
Dylan now finds himself wrapped up in multi-million-dollar secrets and danger and it’s going to take every bit of his wit, and the brilliant and headstrong NYPD Detective, Elizabeth Needham, to stay ahead of both his enemy . . . and his employer.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published February 8, 2022
2142 people are currently reading
3530 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
955 books355k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 565 reviews
June 29, 2022
Here's the thing about Patterson stories. You're bound to strike gold with 1 in 20... or STEAL in this case. 9 of 10 stars
May 11, 2022
Let’s say 3.5 stars!
In this third instalment of the Instinct series, James Patterson and Howard Roughan work together to develop a great thriller with a unique twist. Psychological at times with some gritty crime aspects, the collaboration works well, as the previous two novels did for those who took the time to enjoy them. Patterson appears to mesh well with Roughan, which is a pleasant surprise, as books bearing the former’s name flood the marketplace on a weekly basis. A worthwhile reading experience.
It was a shock to everyone who glanced at social media to see that Carter van Oehson planned to kill himself. Even his Abnormal Psych professor, Dylan Reinhart, was taken aback. Now, a whole day later, Carter has still not turned up, but neither has his body.
While the hunt is on, there is no trace of Carter, at least until his boat turns up on the water, empty and with no signs of a struggle. People begin to wonder if Carter went ahead with his vow or could this just be a means of getting some attention? While people speculate, one person is sure that there is something nefarious going on.
Carter’s father, Mathias von Oehson, is sure there is more to the story, wondering if his fame and popularity might be the reason for an abduction. There is a family secret that could be used as leverage, allowing whoever is behind this to blackmail the van Oehsons and cause chaos. Without being able to turn to the police, Mathias needs answers and knows just who to ask.
Dylan Reinhart is ready to assist, but had no idea it would mean being in the middle of such a massive secret. He’ll need every fibre of his being to locate Carter, but must also rely on his connection to NYPD Detective, Elizabeth Needham. Together, Dylan and Elizabeth turn over rocks and investigate clues that could lead them to Carter, or send them to the darkest parts of the globe where additional trouble lurks. A chilling story that Patterson and Roughan develop effectively, keeping the reader hooked until the final page turn.
While I find James Patterson’s excessive publications too much to handle, particularly when I seek a decently penned book, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. Working alongside Howard Roughan, Patterson has developed a decent series that has potential. While the book had some slow moments, the narrative carried things effectively through to the stronger segments of the story. I am keen to see if there is more collaboration by this pair, be it with this series or elsewhere.
Dylan Reinhart and Elizabeth Needham have grown throughout the series, both personally and professionally. While they try to keep work and personal lives separate, there are times when things blur together, leaving the reader to wonder what might happen. Both have strong development throughout the series, though I did not feel as connected to them in this novel. They are worthwhile characters with much to offer, leaving me to wonder what’s next for this duo.
James Patterson has so many collaborators with whom he works, it is hard to keep them straight, as well as which offer high caliber writing. Based on my reviews from the past books in this series, as well as though that have his name attached, Howard Roughan is one of the ‘decent ones’. The narrative of this book worked well, though there were a few slow moments that left me tapping my finger as I sped through the chapters, though the overall experience was worth my time. Short chapters, what I consider Patterson’s trademark, worked well to keep the momentum going and left me able to focus on the endgame without getting too caught up in the aforementioned slower segments. A decent plot kept me curious and some characters served to flavour the writing in ways that made it a little more enjoyable. As I said before, I am eager to see what else is to come with this series.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Roughan, for a decent read. Eager to see what you have coming out soon.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
In this third instalment of the Instinct series, James Patterson and Howard Roughan work together to develop a great thriller with a unique twist. Psychological at times with some gritty crime aspects, the collaboration works well, as the previous two novels did for those who took the time to enjoy them. Patterson appears to mesh well with Roughan, which is a pleasant surprise, as books bearing the former’s name flood the marketplace on a weekly basis. A worthwhile reading experience.
It was a shock to everyone who glanced at social media to see that Carter van Oehson planned to kill himself. Even his Abnormal Psych professor, Dylan Reinhart, was taken aback. Now, a whole day later, Carter has still not turned up, but neither has his body.
While the hunt is on, there is no trace of Carter, at least until his boat turns up on the water, empty and with no signs of a struggle. People begin to wonder if Carter went ahead with his vow or could this just be a means of getting some attention? While people speculate, one person is sure that there is something nefarious going on.
Carter’s father, Mathias von Oehson, is sure there is more to the story, wondering if his fame and popularity might be the reason for an abduction. There is a family secret that could be used as leverage, allowing whoever is behind this to blackmail the van Oehsons and cause chaos. Without being able to turn to the police, Mathias needs answers and knows just who to ask.
Dylan Reinhart is ready to assist, but had no idea it would mean being in the middle of such a massive secret. He’ll need every fibre of his being to locate Carter, but must also rely on his connection to NYPD Detective, Elizabeth Needham. Together, Dylan and Elizabeth turn over rocks and investigate clues that could lead them to Carter, or send them to the darkest parts of the globe where additional trouble lurks. A chilling story that Patterson and Roughan develop effectively, keeping the reader hooked until the final page turn.
While I find James Patterson’s excessive publications too much to handle, particularly when I seek a decently penned book, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. Working alongside Howard Roughan, Patterson has developed a decent series that has potential. While the book had some slow moments, the narrative carried things effectively through to the stronger segments of the story. I am keen to see if there is more collaboration by this pair, be it with this series or elsewhere.
Dylan Reinhart and Elizabeth Needham have grown throughout the series, both personally and professionally. While they try to keep work and personal lives separate, there are times when things blur together, leaving the reader to wonder what might happen. Both have strong development throughout the series, though I did not feel as connected to them in this novel. They are worthwhile characters with much to offer, leaving me to wonder what’s next for this duo.
James Patterson has so many collaborators with whom he works, it is hard to keep them straight, as well as which offer high caliber writing. Based on my reviews from the past books in this series, as well as though that have his name attached, Howard Roughan is one of the ‘decent ones’. The narrative of this book worked well, though there were a few slow moments that left me tapping my finger as I sped through the chapters, though the overall experience was worth my time. Short chapters, what I consider Patterson’s trademark, worked well to keep the momentum going and left me able to focus on the endgame without getting too caught up in the aforementioned slower segments. A decent plot kept me curious and some characters served to flavour the writing in ways that made it a little more enjoyable. As I said before, I am eager to see what else is to come with this series.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Roughan, for a decent read. Eager to see what you have coming out soon.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 19, 2022
Monet
This was not one of Patterson’s best books. There was too much junk in the story not enough meat. It was boring to read and follow.
This was not one of Patterson’s best books. There was too much junk in the story not enough meat. It was boring to read and follow.
March 16, 2022
2.5 stars
There was too much going on in this one, too many different goals and too many different mob bosses, art dealers, and billionaire problems to all fit in a 350 page book.
I never felt like I was on the edge of my seat, especially considering this was meant to be a thriller. The main character lacked gumption, he felt like a Mary Sue, and the inclusivity in this book felt forced and pandering. This book will probably live in my To Donate pile, unfortunately.
There was too much going on in this one, too many different goals and too many different mob bosses, art dealers, and billionaire problems to all fit in a 350 page book.
I never felt like I was on the edge of my seat, especially considering this was meant to be a thriller. The main character lacked gumption, he felt like a Mary Sue, and the inclusivity in this book felt forced and pandering. This book will probably live in my To Donate pile, unfortunately.
February 8, 2022
Oh I loved being back with Dylan and Lizzie and all the gang! Anothe fun and twisty instalment to the Instinct series. So good 😊
April 18, 2022
Huh?
Well, this felt disappointing. So many things not to like (or enjoy) about this book. For instance, WHY is there a speedboat on the cover when nowhere in this book one is mentioned? I feel like this was the "triple cross" touted on the cover.
It felt like the writing was trying to be so witty that it gave up the story and plot(s). And, please, can we stop with the political comments?
The only thing Steal stole was my time :-(
Well, this felt disappointing. So many things not to like (or enjoy) about this book. For instance, WHY is there a speedboat on the cover when nowhere in this book one is mentioned? I feel like this was the "triple cross" touted on the cover.
It felt like the writing was trying to be so witty that it gave up the story and plot(s). And, please, can we stop with the political comments?
The only thing Steal stole was my time :-(
March 23, 2022
I am halfway through this book and I'm starting to get bored with it. I was interested in the first half but then the direction of the story changed. I feel the story is now weak and doesn't tie in with the beginning of the book all that well. I will continue to read this to see where it goes from here. Right now, it's putting me to sleep.
I finished the last half of the book not because of interest but just getting this review off my plate. I usually enjoy his books but this one just wasn't that interesting to me. Maybe others will have more positive opinions on this book.
I finished the last half of the book not because of interest but just getting this review off my plate. I usually enjoy his books but this one just wasn't that interesting to me. Maybe others will have more positive opinions on this book.
February 10, 2022
3 1/2 stars
March 7, 2022
Instinct # 3 is back with Dylan Reinhart and Elizabeth Needham in tow. A Multi-Millionnnaire Dollar Hedge Fund owner has just lost his son – Carter and another painting has also gone missing. Mathias von Oehson has coaxed and blackmailed Dylam to show me how to search for his son. In steps a Russian pakhan or Crime boss and those who want the wealth of Mathias, and Dylan finally takes on the investigation.
The delectable twists apart, this is the usual James Patterson fare, the usual twists and turns and the real villain stepping forward nearing the end of the story…
.
Please read my detailed review from the link below:
https://www.aniblogshere.com/book-rev...
Do Read 📖, Like 👍🏼, Comment 💭, or Share 🚩
🙏🏼🙏🏼
#steal #jamespatterson #bookmagic #bookreview #lovebooks #bookrecommendations #bookreviewer #bookreviewblog #bookreviewersofinstagram #booklover #books #bookreviewing #bookreviews #bookreviewblogger #bookblogger #generalfiction #lovefilms #suspense #booklovers #thriller #frankieelkin #missingpersons #bigfoot #generalmystery #generalthriller #stolenpainting #howardroughan
The delectable twists apart, this is the usual James Patterson fare, the usual twists and turns and the real villain stepping forward nearing the end of the story…
.
Please read my detailed review from the link below:
https://www.aniblogshere.com/book-rev...
Do Read 📖, Like 👍🏼, Comment 💭, or Share 🚩
🙏🏼🙏🏼
#steal #jamespatterson #bookmagic #bookreview #lovebooks #bookrecommendations #bookreviewer #bookreviewblog #bookreviewersofinstagram #booklover #books #bookreviewing #bookreviews #bookreviewblogger #bookblogger #generalfiction #lovefilms #suspense #booklovers #thriller #frankieelkin #missingpersons #bigfoot #generalmystery #generalthriller #stolenpainting #howardroughan
March 19, 2022
I thought the beginning was amazing and really drew me in but as they Introduced different characters I got a little lost. I was also unaware that this was in a series
Read
March 27, 2022This will be one of my shorter returns, similar to the shorter length of this novel.
“Steal” is the third Dr. Dylan Reinhart and Elizabeth Needham novel. Following “Killer Instinct” in 2019 and “Murder Games” in 2017 (all three co-written with Howard Roughan). Dr. Dylan Reinhart is an Ivy league professor and published expert on criminal behavior and ex-CIA agent. Elizabeth Needham is an aggressive NYPD detective currently serving on an elite field unit with the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
This outing starts with one of Dylan’s student’s, Carter von Oehson, posting an Instagram that he plans to commit suicide and then disappears. However, Carter’s father refuses to believe his son is dead, and trying to hide family secrets from police, he hires Dylan to find him. Along with Elizabeth, the two of them find themselves involved with not only a missing person, but also an incredibly rare Monet painting, untouchable Russian and New York mafia crime bosses, life-threatening danger, and triple cross that no one could see coming…
Like a typical Patterson mystery, the plot is fast-paced with a lot of running around New York city as Dylan and Elizabeth try to find the missing student. What I looked the most about this one was the plotting and development of the storylines. Patterson did a good job of outlining an interesting mystery and timed the twists and turns throughout in a pretty well delivered manner. That is, until the second half of the book, in which things slowed down and the plot stagnated and reality was left behind (but then who ever reads Patterson for realism?).
Unfortunately, an outcome of focusing so much on the plotting was weakly developed characters, which is also a known Patterson trademark. In addition, this was one of Patterson’s shorter novels, clocking in at 358 pages.
The first half of this book was an enjoyable, “mind candy” or “entertaining popcorn” read, worthy of three stars. The falloff in the second half was barely worthy of two stars. Overall, it was not his best, nor his worst – a 2.5-star rating – which is a prime example of why I get his books from the library, because I don’t find him good enough to buy and keep in my library. He’s simple, fast-paced, detective and mystery- oriented adventures that can be read in about two to three days and easily left behind. Nothing super memorable, but a nice casual weekend escape.
“Steal” is the third Dr. Dylan Reinhart and Elizabeth Needham novel. Following “Killer Instinct” in 2019 and “Murder Games” in 2017 (all three co-written with Howard Roughan). Dr. Dylan Reinhart is an Ivy league professor and published expert on criminal behavior and ex-CIA agent. Elizabeth Needham is an aggressive NYPD detective currently serving on an elite field unit with the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
This outing starts with one of Dylan’s student’s, Carter von Oehson, posting an Instagram that he plans to commit suicide and then disappears. However, Carter’s father refuses to believe his son is dead, and trying to hide family secrets from police, he hires Dylan to find him. Along with Elizabeth, the two of them find themselves involved with not only a missing person, but also an incredibly rare Monet painting, untouchable Russian and New York mafia crime bosses, life-threatening danger, and triple cross that no one could see coming…
Like a typical Patterson mystery, the plot is fast-paced with a lot of running around New York city as Dylan and Elizabeth try to find the missing student. What I looked the most about this one was the plotting and development of the storylines. Patterson did a good job of outlining an interesting mystery and timed the twists and turns throughout in a pretty well delivered manner. That is, until the second half of the book, in which things slowed down and the plot stagnated and reality was left behind (but then who ever reads Patterson for realism?).
Unfortunately, an outcome of focusing so much on the plotting was weakly developed characters, which is also a known Patterson trademark. In addition, this was one of Patterson’s shorter novels, clocking in at 358 pages.
The first half of this book was an enjoyable, “mind candy” or “entertaining popcorn” read, worthy of three stars. The falloff in the second half was barely worthy of two stars. Overall, it was not his best, nor his worst – a 2.5-star rating – which is a prime example of why I get his books from the library, because I don’t find him good enough to buy and keep in my library. He’s simple, fast-paced, detective and mystery- oriented adventures that can be read in about two to three days and easily left behind. Nothing super memorable, but a nice casual weekend escape.
May 17, 2022
I checked this one out from the library and started it without realizing it's a third in the series. I have actually read the first one and wasn't a fan, but I'm glad I looked at that after I finished this one! I was quite surprised that the story actually held my attention to want to know what was going on. The beginning was slow and almost had me quitting, but I stuck through and was happy I did. The "team" of Dylan and Elizabeth is a nicely written one. I liked their characters and hope to read more with them in the future!
June 16, 2023
This book was so easy to read, lots of twists and turns so you weren’t always able to guess where the story was going
February 20, 2022
Fast paced, short chapters (like all Patterson books), entertaining popcorn read. Not too much more to say.
May 20, 2022
This was a ok average book for me. It wasn’t that exciting but it was still a good solid read.
July 27, 2023
This was more of a 2.5 as the story really bored the hell out of me but rounded up to 3 as the dialogue was strong and mildly entertaining amidst an otherwise snoozefest. Not one of the Patterson factory’s best by a long shot.
April 10, 2022
A fun read. Since I watched the TV series, it was easy to see the characters and their fun personalities.
April 2, 2022
Just an okay read. It got a little too confusing for me with all the characters introduced, and some very briefly. I like the main characters in this series, though, so will probably read the next one.
January 15, 2023
First half of this book was great but it then started to drag and was predictable
September 25, 2023
Sadly this was just not it for me. I read the alex cross novel which i found to be much better.
April 10, 2024
first james patterson book i’ve read and better than i thought it was going to be
October 6, 2024
Didn’t actually finish as it was too boring.
October 12, 2025
Another great Patterson
September 14, 2023
A nice quick read. I also appreciated some of the comic relief it had to offer. Too bad it was kinda predictable. 3 stars.
December 10, 2023
didn’t read all at once so i wasn’t super into it. not a bad book, but definitely an easier vacation type of read. plot wasn’t what i expected, still somewhat interesting though
July 13, 2022
A good thriller as one would expect from a James Patterson book. Need I say more.
March 1, 2022
I expected more.
February 23, 2022
I originally got this book as I was going on a trip and needed something to read, and I went by a little store of which this was one of the few options. Little did I know how much I would enjoy reading this wonderful novel. I originally picked this book as I enjoy mystery-like books, and the description instantly made me wanna understand further into the novel. And so I did, ready all 350 pages in just two days; I was so encapsulated by the mystery and the story that I just could not put the book down! The characters were all wonderfully crafted in each their own way, and I especially connected with Julian, whose nerdy knowledgeability sometimes reflects my own.
My favorite part of the entire story was how it highlighted the power of those with wealth; Mathias von Oehson, the father of the character who has appeared to have committed suicide, uses so many exploitative ways to implore the main character, Dylan Reinhart, to work on the case, including buying out the location of Dylan's husband's company, which would force him out of business. In this way, by flaunting his wealth without even having to use it in the end (as Dylan obviously does fall to such threat), von Oehson perfectly highlights the power which the wealthy few have in society, providing a great message for our real lives. Another of my favorite elements is the authors' purposeful shifts in the narrative voice of the story: every 8 chapters or so, there would be 2 chapters told in a third-person limited style, describing the events occurring around a side character, in contrast to the usual first-person narration used in larger parts of the story. The only reason this book doesn't get 5 stars in my opinion is that some of its writing is marginally simplistic, lacking heavier descriptions sometimes necessary to describe an environment.
The heavily mysterious elements and realistic(ish) situation of this story make it perfect for those seeking an encapsulating read, in which they lose themselves in the search for answers and knowledge. However, I would not recommend this book to any young children, as it contains many references to suicide and other harsh topics, and would therefore not be deemed approvable for the youth. Overall, a wonderful novel with great storytelling and key hidden messages, a delightful read for those seeking a new book.
My favorite part of the entire story was how it highlighted the power of those with wealth; Mathias von Oehson, the father of the character who has appeared to have committed suicide, uses so many exploitative ways to implore the main character, Dylan Reinhart, to work on the case, including buying out the location of Dylan's husband's company, which would force him out of business. In this way, by flaunting his wealth without even having to use it in the end (as Dylan obviously does fall to such threat), von Oehson perfectly highlights the power which the wealthy few have in society, providing a great message for our real lives. Another of my favorite elements is the authors' purposeful shifts in the narrative voice of the story: every 8 chapters or so, there would be 2 chapters told in a third-person limited style, describing the events occurring around a side character, in contrast to the usual first-person narration used in larger parts of the story. The only reason this book doesn't get 5 stars in my opinion is that some of its writing is marginally simplistic, lacking heavier descriptions sometimes necessary to describe an environment.
The heavily mysterious elements and realistic(ish) situation of this story make it perfect for those seeking an encapsulating read, in which they lose themselves in the search for answers and knowledge. However, I would not recommend this book to any young children, as it contains many references to suicide and other harsh topics, and would therefore not be deemed approvable for the youth. Overall, a wonderful novel with great storytelling and key hidden messages, a delightful read for those seeking a new book.
February 16, 2022
I am usually never disappointed in a James Patterson book. This is actually the 3rd in the series about Professor Dylan Reinhart. He is also an undercover CIA agent and is called in to solve tough cases.
When one of his students posted on social media that he was planning to kill himself, and his boat was found, everyone thought Carter was dead. But, is he? His billionaire father contacts Reinhardt and asks for his help. He thinks that Carter is still alive and might have been kidnapped because
someone found out that he had a stolen art print by Monet. Now he thinks they want it in exchange for his son.
I love meeting this characters again. This one is something new everytime you turn the page.
But, as the Professor got in over his head on this one. After all, even the Hungarian government
wants this picture back that was originally theirs!
When one of his students posted on social media that he was planning to kill himself, and his boat was found, everyone thought Carter was dead. But, is he? His billionaire father contacts Reinhardt and asks for his help. He thinks that Carter is still alive and might have been kidnapped because
someone found out that he had a stolen art print by Monet. Now he thinks they want it in exchange for his son.
I love meeting this characters again. This one is something new everytime you turn the page.
But, as the Professor got in over his head on this one. After all, even the Hungarian government
wants this picture back that was originally theirs!
April 23, 2022
Steal by James patterson and Howard Roughan is the 3rd book in the Instinct series. When a student disappears after posting a suicide note, Professor Dylan Reinhart is asked by the boy's father to investigate as he believes his son has been kidnapped and a valuable painting of his is missing. I have loved the previous books in this series as well as the television show, but feel a little let down by this one. There seemed to be too mant twists, little character development and little investigation. Still there was plenty of action and deception. More along the lines of a sting operation rather than a real mystery and more reliance on espionage and spy gadgets. Still enjoyable but not as much as the previous books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 565 reviews